Bell Buckle, Tennessee
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"Bell Buckle, Tennessee, a railroad village of preserved and restored Victorian homes and churches, is nestled among the hills, farmland and Walking Horse country of Bedford County, Tennessee. The Webb School, within walking distance to downtown, is a world-renowned college preparatory boarding and day school and is an integral part of the history of this unique town.
"Established
in 1852, Bell Buckle has become known for its antiques, quilts, handmade
crafts, country music, home cooking and Southern hospitality. Thousands
of visitors are drawn each year to visit the charming downtown with its
shops and eateries and participate in the annual festivals.
"Bell Buckle is a Governor's Three-Star Community, a proud member of Tennessee Backroads and has the distinction of being the smallest town in Tennessee to be a Tree City, USA.
History
"The most commonly asked question about Bell Buckle is the origin of its name. Stories vary, but some believe the name came from a bell and buckle tied around a tree close to a free-flowing creek. Others believe the Indians carved a bell and buckle into a tree to discourage settlers, while still others believe the bell and buckle symbol was used by surveyors to signify the usefulness of the land for pasture. Whatever the origin, Bell Buckle is one of the oldest names in the county.
"A.D. Fugitt, considered the town's founder, was its first merchant and donated the land for the railroad and depot. The depot was built in Bell Buckle in 1853, and the town was incorporated in 1856. With the coming of the railroad, Bell Buckle grew to be the major stockyard between Nashville and Chattanooga and grew to a population of more than 1,000. Bell Buckle became a thriving community as banks, groceries, physicians, pharmacies, mercantile establishments and other businesses sprang up."
(Text provided by and used by permission of the Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce.)